January 1, Major Celebrity’s Food Chain Shuts Down Amidst California Business Struggles

Kevin Hart’s trendy plant-based fast-food chain in Los Angeles has closed all its locations just two years after launching, leaving many questioning the sustainability of such ventures amidst California’s harsh business environment.

Hart House, the vegan fast food chain owned by the 45-year-old comedian, posted a cryptic message on Instagram, simply stating, “A Hartfelt goodbye for now as we start a new chapter,” expressing gratitude to their team, guests, and the community. But the real reasons for the sudden closures are shrouded in mystery.

Eater Los Angeles confirmed the closures after receiving a statement from Hart House’s CEO Andy Hooper. Hooper applauded the incredible response from customers and the community, but conspicuously omitted any explanation for the shutdowns. All four locations closed abruptly on September 10.

Kevin Hart, known for his role in “Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle,” had announced his ambitious plans back in 2020 to open the plant-based eateries as part of his personal shift to a vegan lifestyle. The idea was to offer a vegan option in the fast-food world, competing with giants like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King. The menu boasted “100%” plant-based items including burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, nuggets, salads, tater tots, and milkshakes.

The endeavor appeared to be optimistic, with the CEO highlighting their aspiration to be the future of quick-service restaurants, even going so far as to open their fourth location in a former McDonald’s building across from a Chick-fil-A and near an In-N-Out in Hollywood in 2023.

However, the closures of Hart House might be indicative of larger economic pressures in California. Recently, other popular eateries like Shake Shack also announced the closure of multiple Southern California locations. These restaurant shutdowns come in the wake of California’s new minimum wage policy, raising wages to $20 an hour. The cost of doing business in the Golden State has become increasingly prohibitive, especially for smaller and niche operations.

Kevin Hart’s foray into the plant-based fast-food market seemed promising, but its sudden closure underscores the stiff challenges posed by California’s unforgiving business climate. Does this signal the beginning of the end for trendy, health-centric eateries in high-cost regions? Only time will tell.

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